The Jasper PTSA has a Caring and Compassion Committee that helps families in our community who are in crisis.  Thankfully the committee's assistance is rarely needed but we are always ready to help.

This past month we began helping one of our staff's families.  The teacher's young daughter was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the school year and the family is very busy with meeting all of their daughter's medical needs, work, and raising a family.  To ease some of the family's burdens the PTSA is organizing meals for the family.

If you would like information on how you can help this family by bringing them dinner one evening, please contact Amy Newell at president@jasperptsa.org. 

On Wednesday, October 14th, all 9th graders will be taking the CoGAT test. The students last took this test in 7th grade and this will be the last opportunity before they graduate high school.

The PSAT (practice SAT) will be administered to sophomores on Wednesday, Oct. 14th, during the morning classes. There is no sign up for the PSAT.

Students involved in athletic programs at the senior high schools on the morning of the CoGAT and PSAT will report to Jasper by 8:45 so that they may start the test on time. All 9th graders in Plano will be taking the CoGAT on the same day, and all 10th graders in Plano will be taking the PSAT on the same day, so there will be no morning athletics. If a student is in an off-campus P.E. program, he or she will also have to report to Jasper for testing by 8:45.

Testing rooms will be assigned during the week of October 5th and there are no make up sessions if a student is absent.

Plano ISD Education Foundation is proud to kick off their annual community honor roll program. Last year, "I Love Plano ISD" yard signs began appearing at homes and businesses throughout the district as part of the Plano ISD Education Foundation's Community Honor Roll Campaign. This year the Foundation hopes to double the number of parents participating in the campaign. The Foundation has added a feature for community supporters to participate online by donating at www.pisd.edu/foundation. All participants donating over $100 will receive a yard sign to proudly display their support for Plano ISD.

The funds provided to the district by the Foundation remain in PISD. Programs currently funded include: Grants to Educators, scholarships for 5th grade camp, emergency grants for PISD employees in need, college preparation programs such as AVID, Family Literacy Program and many more.

For additional information visit http://foundation.pisd.edu or call 469-752-8272. Every gift matters. The greatest investment any of us can make is in the future of our children. We appreciate your support of this important cause!

There are about 2 weeks left to complete your creative expressions for the PTA reflections program. Be sure to visit www.jasperptsa.org for detailed rules and entry forms. Please make sure you read the rules on how to prepare your entries for submission. The deadline for submission is Friday, October 23rd and the entries will be collected in room no. 1100A (conference room) from 8:45 - 9:30 and from 3:45 - 4:30. If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Shaastri at jasper.reflections@gmail.com.

PTSA Upcoming Programs

• October 20 - Getting Ready for Your Teenager to Drive
  
• December 8 - How to study for finals:  for parents and students
  
• February 9 - Your teenager is dating - what you both need to know about dating in the 21st century!
  
• April 6 - What freshman & sophomore students and parents need to know about college applications and college choices.
  
• May 25 - Jump Start Jasper  (Time TBA)

All programs start at 7pm unless otherwise noted.

The Jasper High School Orchestra held their annual Orchestra Olympics on Saturday, Sept. 25th in the gym at Jasper. The event helps orchestra students raise money toward their spring event. This year's spring event is a performance at the Peak Music Festival at the Murchison Performing Arts Center at the University of North Texas in Denton. A stop by Main Event is scheduled after the music festival.

The Legacy Orchestra held a performance at St. Andrews United Methodist Church on Friday, October. 9th. All Jasper orchestras will perform at their Fall Concert on Thursday, October 29th at 6:30 at St. Andrews United Methodist Church.